Radiography and medical technology courses

There are two types of radiography course. Diagnostic radiography involves learning how to use medical imaging, such as X-ray, MRI and ultrasound to help doctors make a diagnosis. Therapeutic radiography or radiotherapy and oncology courses involve using radiography for the treatment and care of patients with cancer. Both types of courses include practical placements and qualify you to work as a professional radiographer. You will gain medical knowledge and patient care skills and learn how to use technical equipment.

What you need to get on a course

Subjects you need

Application checklist

Here's a guide to what to expect from the application process - also check individual university entry requirements, as these may differ.

January application

October application

Personal statement

Portfolio

Interview

Entry test

Work experience

Audition

Personal statement advice

Your personal statement is a core part of your university application, and getting it just right takes time. Before you start work on yours, take a look at our five quick tips on writing a personal statement. We'll help you past that writer's block!

Career prospects

The stats here mainly cover radiography graduates – and as the country is currently short of specialists in some of this area, that means good job prospects and, often, decent starting salaries. With a lot of modern medicine (and dentistry) using high-tech equipment, there are big opportunities for medical technology grads, although most early careers are spent operating these complex instruments, rather than designing or developing them. Unemployment rates are relatively low in these subjects, and 80% of graduates with jobs became radiographers

Jobs where this degree is useful

Other real-life job examples

What employers like about this subject

A radiography degree will teach you subject-specific skills in anatomy, physiology and pathology; the science, theory and practice of medical imaging and radiographic research methods and statistics. You will also get useful transferable skills such as good communication skills, problem-solving, evaluating and acting on evidence, and decision-making. Radiography graduates largely work in hospitals or specialist health facilities.